| Trex |
| (.224 member) |
| 28/01/04 06:35 AM |
505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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Fellows,
I am wanting to add a 500 to my collection. It needs to be a DG rifle as it will be used in Africa (and possibly Alaska for the great bears). What are your opinions on the merits of the 505 Gibbs and the 500 NE? If I get a Gibbs what action would you recommend? Concerning the 500 NE I would most likely want a double. However, I would want to keep it under 11K. Any suggestions would be most appreciative.
Thanks
Joe Cathey
| atkinson6 |
| (.375 member) |
| 28/01/04 02:58 PM |
Re: 505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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I would get a Searcy PH model in 500 N.E. over a 505 Gibbs in a bolt gun....I think about $9500 and its a real nice gun, fine wood and very tasteful engraving. I like the dull finish SS action as it does not rust the face of the action in Tanzania like blue steel will, thats always been a problem with extended stays for me....
I have one in a .470 and its my first non-english double gun and it is the best shooting doublegun I have owned, and I have been lucky with accurate doubles.....I just really like this gun....and its a good deal stronger than the old English guns, will shoot monolithics and touches 2 shots at 50 every time without fail so far.........
You can't compare any bolt gun to a fine double, it's two different worlds and never the twain shall meet...
A good English type 505 Gibbs on a Mauser 20 or Enfield or one of the many nice Mauser 20 clones being built today is a fine gun and as practical as a 505 can get for hunting. but the double is the DGR of choice with anyone with smarts!!
| mickey |
| (.416 member) |
| 28/01/04 03:18 PM |
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Re: 505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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I would second Ray's advice. A quality 505 on a Mauser made for the cartridge would cost you a substantial portion of the $9500 he quotes for a new Searcy. Ballistically they are so close as to be equal so it seems to me to be a choice between and $10k double (Food for the Soul) or an $8k bolt(Practical and Dull).
Welcome to the Forum, whichever you choose.
| Gibbs505 |
| (.333 member) |
| 28/01/04 04:27 PM |
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Re: 505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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I could not afford a double rifle so I had made, over a couple of year a 505 Gibbs on a modified P14 mauser action.
I would not be without it, even though I proberly never get to Africa to hunt. 
| 500Nitro |
| (.450 member) |
| 28/01/04 06:24 PM |
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Re: 505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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I own both 500 NE Doubles and an Origianal 505 Gibbs and have hunted DG with both.
A 500 NE Double such as Ray Atkinson et al suggest (Searcy) is probably the only option
in your price range. I can't comment on Searcy's as I've not seen / used one but Ray and others
recommendation is good enough for me.
505 Gibbs Brass and Dies etc are more expensive but it is a GREAT Calibre.
Actions - Genuine Magnum Mauser 20 actions are probably too expensive now
but I see plenty of good copies around.
The alternative is to use a Brno 602 or 550 action as this is Big enough.
Personally, I would go for a double 500 Nitro.
Hope this helps
500 Nitro
| Trex |
| (.224 member) |
| 28/01/04 11:46 PM |
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Re: 505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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Guys,
Thanks for the infomation! I will probably go with the double if I can find one. The second thing I have to do is convince my wife that this is a necessity! She just bought me a 458 Lott so I am going to have to put some thought into this excuse!! Again, thanks for your advice!
JRC
| Rusty |
| (.333 member) |
| 29/01/04 01:21 AM |
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Re: 505 Gibbs versus 500 NE
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A good friend of mine bought a Merkel in 500 3 inch NE. The new rifle cost him $8,500 US. He says it shoots good and kicks less than his Jeffrey 475 #2.